Bending antler?

[ohio ramrod]

Has anyone had success at bending deer antlers? I have several pieces I would like to bend but had no luck boiling in water as I would cow horn.

 

[Patocazador]

Since antler is bone, it could be shaped while living with orthopedic devices (braces on velvet antlers?? :hmm: ) but once the velvet is shed I think that shaving it would be the only way to change its shape.

 

[ohio ramrod]

That is what I did on one, but I have several others that need more bend. So I guess I'll just have to find another use for them. :idunno:

 

[Rifleman1776]

Has anyone had success at bending deer antlers? I have several pieces I would like to bend but had no luck boiling in water as I would cow horn.

Reportedly (I emphathize that because I haven't tried it)...hot oil like peanut will do the job as it can get much hotter than boiling water. Also acids like vinegar will soften to allow bending.
Let us know what you do.

 

[JeffG]

I have flattened thin pieces of moose antler palm, to ase for wooden knife sheath. I boiled them, and viced them between two pieces of hardwood. The pieces were very thin to start. I would try boiling, and bending amtler with a wooden form in a vice. Wear eye protection, breakage might include flying pieces.

 

[Sean Gadhar]

Reportedly (I emphathize that because I haven't tried it) :wink: ...soaking in vinegar is the trick to soften antler to force it onto a knife tang. Whether that would soften it enough to bend :idunno:

 

[JeffG]

Keep experimenting, the the results might be gratifying !